Labour

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the publication of Transport Focus’ National Rail Passenger Survey, revealing significant declines in passenger satisfaction for 2016, said:

“The results of this survey expose the failure of our privatised railways. With promised upgrades delayed or cancelled and fares rising way ahead of wages, it’s disappointing but not surprising to see passenger satisfaction down across the board for 2016.

“With this decline in passenger satisfaction, it’s becoming more difficult for the Government to justify allowing private and foreign state-owned companies to take money out of the system that should be used to improve services or hold fares down.

“It’s clear than an alternative is needed for Britain’s railways. It is time for our railways to be run under public ownership, in the public interest as an integrated national asset in public hands with affordable fares for all and long-term investment in the railway network.”

Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, responding to this morning’s judgment from the Supreme Court that Parliament must give its approval to trigger the process of leaving the EU, said:

“The Government has today been forced by the Supreme Court to accept the sovereignty of Parliament.

“Labour respects the result of the referendum and the will of the British people and will not frustrate the process for invoking Article 50. 

“However, Labour will seek to amend the Article 50 Bill to prevent the Conservatives using Brexit to turn Britain into a bargain basement tax haven off the coast of Europe.

“Labour is demanding a plan from the Government to ensure it is accountable to Parliament throughout the negotiations and a meaningful vote to ensure the final deal is given Parliamentary approval.“

Clive Lewis MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the launch of the Government’s new industrial strategy, said:

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s talk of government taking a ‘new, active’ role in backing businesses, but what we’ve heard today is full of rhetoric and thin on detail.

“From business rates to Brexit, many of businesses’ most pressing concerns are currently going unanswered. Unless the Government puts a lot of flesh on these bones this will be a strategy of spin rather than substance.

“All the signs so far are that the Government is not prepared to put its money where its mouth is. The money offered for skills falls far short of reversing the cuts to adult education since 2010, for example, while the “cash boost” for the North is a fraction of the budgets of Labour’s RDAs.

“For all the fanfare, reversing the economic damage done by the Tories and steering the economy through the turbulent times ahead is going to require the Government to be much bolder.”

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, speaking in response to reports that plans by councils to settle refugees have stalled without Government resources, said: 

“Many councils across the country are willing to step up and take their share of refugees. But they cannot provide the housing and services these incredibly vulnerable people need without adequate support from the Home Office.

“This Tory Government needs to live up to its moral and legal obligation to help people fleeing persecution and war.”

Dave Anderson MP, Labour’s Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, commenting on reports of the shooting of a police officer in Belfast, said:

“This attack is deeply concerning; our thoughts are with the injured officer.

“This is a stark reminder of the danger all PSNI officers face every day when performing their duties. We cannot let those who wish to take Northern Ireland back to its painful and violent past succeed.“